President Donald Trump (R-TX) said Tuesday that the United States would consider selling or allowing the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey [1].
The potential deal represents a significant shift in military relations between the two nations. Turkey was previously removed from the F-35 program, and a reversal would alter the strategic balance of air power within the NATO alliance.
Trump said the announcement during a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, where he is attending the 2026 NATO summit [1, 2]. He said the U.S. would consider lifting sanctions on Turkey to facilitate the acquisition of the aircraft [3].
Trump linked the decision to the quality of the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and the Turkish government. He said the U.S. has a better relationship with Turkey and that Turkey has been in many ways much more loyal than other countries [4].
"We will consider selling F-35s to Turkey," Trump said [2].
The F-35 program has been a point of contention for years due to Turkey's purchase of Russian missile systems. Trump's current stance suggests a willingness to prioritize bilateral loyalty over previous security concerns regarding those systems.
He said the administration would lift sanctions on Turkey, which could allow Ankara to buy the jets [3]. The move would signal a formal end to the restrictions that have blocked Turkey's access to the advanced stealth fighters.
“"We will consider selling F-35s to Turkey."”
The potential sale of F-35s to Turkey suggests a pivot in U.S. foreign policy that favors personal diplomatic rapport and perceived loyalty over the strict adherence to previous security protocols. If realized, this move would reintegrate Turkey into the most advanced tier of NATO air capabilities, potentially easing tensions between Ankara and Washington while simultaneously challenging the precedent set by previous sanctions regarding Russian military hardware.
